Podesto Impact Teen Center
Stockton, California

Housed in the shell of a 1940s, art-deco-style bowling alley, the Gary and Janice Podesto Impact Teen Center is an example of user-driven architectural programming. Throughout the design process, LDA Partners worked closely with teens on Stockton’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) to determine the present and future activity needs of teenagers who would frequent the facility. Workshops and extensive survey research also were conducted to solicit and review teen opinions, areas of interest, wants and needs regarding the facility’s features and programs.

The 18,000 square-foot facility incorporates four reconditioned bowling lanes, a half-court basketball floor, four multi-purpose rooms, two stages, a 20-foot-high climbing wall, a computer lounge, offices, a smoothie bar, and quiet areas for study and peer counseling.

In addition to a range of sport, health, and wellness activities, the Podesto Impact Teen center offers after-school activities for Stockton’s diverse high-school and middle-school population, and provides them a safe and secure environment for recreation and learning.

The Impact Teen Center earned the California Park & Recreation Society’s 2005 Award of Achievement for Facility Design and Park Planning.

This project earned an Award for Excellence in Design from the American Institute of Architects. .